Prescott Community Center

John Mitchell will discuss his book Ceremonial Time. In print for 40 years, this book is a deep history of the square mile of land known as Scratch Flat, near where John lives, 35 miles west of Boston. The book expresses a concept learned from Native Americans living in the area--the concept of "ceremonial time" in which past, present, and future can be realized in a singular sacred moment--usually during dance or ritual. John's talk will cover a folkloric history of the people who inhabited this nearby area over the last fifteen thousand years, from the last Ice Age through the years of Native Americans, Shamans and bears, to the colonists, witches and farmers, and now to the encroaching business parks.

Hear the story of Groton’s time as a destination in the early 1800s. This walking tour will travel from Prescott Community Center down Main Street to Old Ayer Road and back, focusing on Groton’s prominence during the stagecoach days, and the legacy those times left in the town, including Lawrence Academy. Participants will meet at the Prescott Community Center. The walk is 1 mile down and back. While children are welcome to attend, these are history tours that involve walking, standing, and listening for 8-10 minute intervals at each stop. Please plan accordingly. Children under 14 are FREE but must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. * Online registration is required to attend. No drop-ins. * Here's what they are saying about Joshua's Walking Tour: Courts & Coaches: "I learned so much about the history of the town of Groton. Joshua is an extremely knowledgeable young man and he has an easy manner of making the past come alive. The relationships of the courts and stage coaches was fascinating. The history of Lawrence Academy and the other schools in the area was interesting as well." "Thoroughness and wealth of information of our tour guide. He was very prepared and enthused about Groton's history. He had an encyclopedic memory of facts and knowledge of things we asked not in his prepared talk. Loved his interest in the subject."

A century ago, Farmers Row was one of New England’s most prestigious streets. See the grand estates that define this distinguished road and hear about their colorful occupants on this walking tour. We will meet at the at the Groton Fire Department parking lot. While children are welcome to attend, these are history tours that involve walking, standing, and listening for 8-10 minute intervals at each stop. Please plan accordingly. Children under 14 are FREE but must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. **Registration is required to attend. No drop-ins.** Here is what they are saying about Joshua Vollmar's Walk: "Josh is so knowledgeable about Groton history, architecture and important families. He is very prepared and also includes participants incite and questions"

Visit Gibbet Hill, a landmark since the town of Groton was founded in 1655. This walking tour will travel from Prescott to the top of the hill and back, focusing on the role of the hill in town history and the story of William Amos Bancroft, who built the castle upon it. Note that while this hike is short, one portion of it is relatively steep and bumpy. Participants will meet at Prescott Community Center and walk to Gibbet Hill. While children are welcome to attend, these are history tours that involve walking, standing, and listening for 8-10 minute intervals at each stop. Please plan accordingly. Children under 14 are FREE but must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. **Online registration is required to attend. No drop-ins. ** Here is what they are saying about Josh's Historical Walk: "Josh was super knowledgeable and personable. The information was great!" "We participated in the Gibbet Hill walking tour. Our guide was very good- very knowledgeable, provided lots of interesting information and was good at answering questions from the very large group." "Our group leader, Josh, was excellent, and extremely knowledgeable about the whole history of this place and historical homes in town."

Elegant mansions, stately churches, and one of America’s oldest houses distinguish Groton center. Learn about the town’s history through its buildings in this walking tour which travels up Main Street and Hollis Street from Prescott. While children are welcome to attend, the tour involves walking, standing, and listening for 8-10 minute intervals at each stop. Please plan accordingly. Children under 14 are FREE but must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. **Registration is required to attend. No drop-ins.**